July 4, 2009 is the date of this year’s annual “Gritty Fitty” canoe and kayak race. The 50 mile race starts in Lawrence, KS and winds over to Kaw Point, Kansas City where the Kansas River meets the Missouri River.

What better way to spend the Fourth of July this year?

Description: Expect to see all sorts of boats lined up Saturday morning, July 4th, 2009… battle scarred aluminum canoes next to sleek, carbon fiber needles that look more like aircraft than rivercraft. But the Kaw is the great equalizer. Someone in a more modest boat, who knows the latest version of the river, could put up a pretty good fight against a $3000 boat that has trouble finding the channel.

Divisions:
Men’s Solo Unlimited, Women’s Solo Unlimited, Men’s tandem unlimited, Women’s tandem unlimited, Mixed tandem unlimited and Teams.

Prizes:
First place trophies for all divisions. Medals for 2nd and 3rd.

For more information on the Gritty Fitty canoe and kayak race, and to register for the event, click here to go to the event web page.

Thanks to Dan Grubbs for sending in this awesome event!

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This annual event takes place on the last weekend in April – the 25 & 26th this year in Shortsville, NY. Re-organized in 2006, the event is a family-friendly day on the water that includes kayak, canoe and homemade raft races, with awards in each category.

Proceeds from the event go to benefit local organziations such as the Lions Club, Rotary International, 4H, Youth Sports, YMCA, Church Organizations and the Shortsville/Manchester, NY Chamber of Commerce community efforts.

This year an additional benefit has been added – For 2009, any previous participants who have lost their job, or who have spouses who have lost their job, may deduct $15 from their registration fee and the registration fee for any dependent children. Proof of unemployment and dependency is required with each registration form (more details can be found a the event web site – click here).

A whole weekend of fun is in store for participants and spectators and starts with a waffle breakfast on Saturday morning. The events then continue with a kayak slalom, canoe and raft race. The race organizers would like to remind everyone to:

Keep in mind the Derby has changed to become more family oriented, there are no alcoholic beverages allowed at the Derby. In order to keep the event a family event and the safest event possible we ask that everyone comply with this request.

Also, in the interest of safety and to ensure everyone has an enjoyable day, please keep dogs at home.

“Water Safety & Awareness” is also part of the event, co-hosted by “Safe Kids Finger Lakes”. This award winning event includes hands on displays, activities and games plus US Coast Guard boats, “Seamor” a US Army Corps of Engineers robot, “Rescue Rodney” the drowning dummy, Specialty Dive Teams, bounce house, and more.

For a Wild Water Derby event schedule, registration information and photos of past year’s events, please click here to visit the Wild Water Derby web site.

Please let us know about your favorite kayak, canoe and paddle event. Leave a comment on this post with information, or send us a note using our handy contact form.